Accessibility

TriMet paratransit to review weight restrictions

Portland, Ore.-based TriMet is re-evaluating its weight restrictions for LIFT paratransit customers after a rider raised concerns over travel conditions placed on him because of the weight restrictions and his mobility device.

Last month TriMet informed a LIFT customer that it was unable to safely transport his mobility device because the combined occupied weight exceeded 600 pounds. The customer was never denied service, but advised to reduce the weight of his mobility device or pursue other options to meet the weight limit. He challenged the decision, and TriMet has determined it will accommodate his request for service with his current mobility device.

Over the past several days, TriMet consulted with the U.S. Department of Transportation and received guidance that, whenever practicable, TriMet should adhere to the lift manufacturers’ certified capacities, which currently range up to 800 pounds for TriMet’s LIFT fleet.

“We want to thank our LIFT customer and KGW Reporter Ed Teachout for prompting both our internal review and our helpful dialogue with DOT,” said TriMet’s Director of Business Programs, David Trimble. “We will also be reviewing other LIFT customers found to have combined weight mobility devices that exceeded 600 pounds.”